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The RAAF has sent aircraft and personnel to the Solomon Islands to assist in disaster recovery following Tropical Cyclone Maila earlier this month.
A C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from 36 Squadron and C-27J Spartan aircraft from 35 Squadron have taken part in the relief effort, including airlifting humanitarian aid to affected areas and conducting aerial damage assessments of critical infrastructure.
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“Our role is to support a Solomon Islands-led response, ensuring assistance is delivered in line with their priorities,” said Australia’s Defence adviser to the Solomon Islands, Navy Captain Emma Griffiths.
“This is a practical demonstration of the Defence Cooperation Program in action – working side-by-side with our partners to deliver immediate outcomes while strengthening long-term resilience and coordination.
“We have an enduring relationship with Solomon Islands, and operations like this reinforce the trust, interoperability and shared commitment to regional security.”
The Globemaster moved bulk humanitarian stores from key regional hubs to the Solomon Islands, where the Spartan picked them up and distributed them to remote locations in need.
“Our mobile air load team are providing support using forklifts to load and distribute cargo onto the C‑27J, getting supplies where they’re needed most,” said Leading Aircraftman Daniel Shaw, of 23 Squadron.
“The C‑27J is an incredible aircraft, able to land on short, austere airstrips across the Solomon Islands and in remote communities where aid is vital.
“Watching local kids and families gather to meet the aircraft and help unload has been amazing. I joined the ADF for humanitarian missions like this, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.”
According to locals, the delivery of stores is providing “much-needed relief” to their communities.
“This cyclone was far more destructive, and its impacts are unlike anything our relatives and family in the village have ever experienced,” said local community member Brian Soma.
“The biggest challenge now is the damage to food gardens and buildings. Relatives have had to travel to buy bulk supplies like rice to share around the village because the rain has wiped out their gardens.
“The arrival of much‑needed supplies from Australia will ease the pressure on food while people rebuild their gardens, restore their food sources and repair damaged infrastructure so they can get back on their feet.”
Tropical Cyclone Maila caused severe damage to housing, infrastructure and essential services in the Solomon Islands, with the Australian Government providing $1.5 million in humanitarian aid as well as $1 million in aid to Papua New Guinea.
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